The Harris County Clerk's Office announced the U.S. Department of Justice intends to send federal election monitors to Harris County polls on Election Day, Nov. 3.

The details: The DOJ Civil Rights Division plans to monitor compliance with federal voting rights laws, specifically Voting Rights Act provisions protecting voters from discrimination.

What you need to know: Key details regarding the federal monitors and voting locations include:

• Monitors are expected to wear everyday clothing and may ask voters about their experiences as they exit.

• Monitors may be stationed outside the 100-foot electioneering boundary.

• Guidance from the Secretary of State confirmed federal monitors are not permitted inside polling locations under Texas law.

• Voters can cast ballots at more than 600 locations in Harris County.

• Voters should not anticipate disruptions, as county election operations will proceed as scheduled.

The Mexican-based eatery Los Cochinitos is temporarily closing its doors until further notice, according to an Oct. 20 Facebook post by officials.

The details: The restaurant, located at 21005 I-45 in Spring, opened its first U.S. location on Nov. 20, 2025. According to the business website, the eatery specialized in carnitas and served menu items such as:

• Enchiladas

• Tamales

• Quesadillas

Quote of note: "We hope to welcome you back very soon and continue sharing the authentic flavors of our Mexican tradition," read the Facebook post.

The Spring-Klein area features several holiday shopping options for the holiday season.

Check it:

• German Gift House, owned by Ursula Sledge, offers German and European gifts, food, collectibles, jewelry and linens.

• Kuma Rama, owned by Gaby and Bill Clemons, features anime collectibles, cosplay items, games, accessories and a cafe.

• The Antique Gallery of Houston spans over 85,000 square feet and hosts almost 250 dealers offering furniture, jewelry and home decor.

• Spring Antique Mall showcases over 10,000 square feet of antiques from more than three dozen dealers.

• Muzzie's carries after five dresses, pageant gowns and accessories from designers such as Jovani, Sherri Hill and La Femme.

• WhatchamaCloset, owned by April Lockwood, is an upscale consignment boutique offering brand-name clothing, bags and shoes.

Looking to catch up with coverage from Community Impact? Check out these eight stories from across the North Houston area, Oct. 23-30:

• Klein Collins High School to begin $29M project in 2027

• GALLERY: IAH celebrates opening of Terminal B featuring 'football field-sized' United Club

• Jimmy Butler's cafe BIGFACE is setting up shop in Cypress

• Montgomery County commissioners vote to proceed with mounted patrol services

• QuikTrip files plans for new location on FM 1960

• Montgomery County Precinct 4 to open new park

• Local record store Sound Revolution celebrates 50 years

• More than 100,000 people cast ballots in first week of early voting in Montgomery County

Texans' last chance to vote in this year's midterm election is Nov. 3. Polling places across the state will be open from 7 a.m.-7 p.m. on Election Day, according to the secretary of state's office.

What to expect: Dozens of races will appear on the ballot, from U.S. Senate and governor to local officials and propositions.

If a voter runs into an issue at the polls that cannot be immediately resolved, such as a lack of photo ID or an administrative error, they have the right to cast a provisional ballot, per state law. Some voters may be required to return to the local voter registrar's office by Nov. 9—six days after Election Day—to resolve the issue after voting.

Stay informed: Visit communityimpact.com/voter-guide to read Q&As with hundreds of candidates, find coverage of local propositions and print a custom sample ballot to bring to the polls.

After polls close at 7 p.m. Nov. 3, election results will be posted on the same webpage.